Taittinger appoints new UK director

Champagne house Taittinger has announced the appointment of its new UK director.

Kevin McKee, formerly of Moët Hennessy, took up the role of “UK Director – Family Taittinger” at the start of the year working alongside its agent Hatch Mansfield.

He said: “I am delighted to be working with a family owned house with such a rich history, world-wide reputation and legion of Champagne aficionados.

“I have been overwhelmed by the complimentary reactions from my many contacts within the drinks industry to both Taittinger and Hatch Mansfield.

“It’s going to be a new challenge, but with such outstanding wines and backing of the great team in Hatch Mansfield, a challenge I am very much looking forward to.”

A biochemistry graduate, Mr McKee instead chose a career in the drinks industry and has previously worked for brands including Grolsch, Jim Beam, Seagrams and Ruinart.

He joined Moët Hennessy in 2006 where as a senior national account manager he was responsible for major national on trade groups and wholesale routes to market.

He added: “I am a great admirer of the light and elegant Chardonnay based wines of Champagne Taittinger and believe their range of cuvées offers an outstanding opportunity for a breadth of listings that few other houses can match.

“I know the family would only put their name to wines of commensurate quality and style.”

His new role follows on from the Ambassador role previously held by Justin Llewelyn who passed away in 2012.